I got my late pass right here--see, I just wanted to remind you about that All-Star Weekend what went down out in Denver a few weeks back… because, if ya didn't know, our very own Massive Monkees were out there representin' for the 206. Seems that since the world-champ breakers have been gracing the boards over at the KeyArena for Sonics games, the NBA has taken note--as the Monkees were the only b-boy crew present at the b-ball event of the year, the NBA All-Star Game. Fresh off several shows in Australia, Massive performed every day of the event, showing off the skills that are going to make this local crew a household name. Even bigger things are on the horizon for MM, so stay the fuck tuned.

Now, if you are even casually acquainted with the goings on of our seriously talented homegrown breakers, then you also know about the Fraggle Rock crew--and you know about b-boy Fidget. Fidget's a standout dancer who not long ago demonstrated his proficiency in another of the culture's elements--dropping a debut LP, In the B-Boy Stance. Ranging from club knocks to inspirational anthems, Fidget spits out witty punch lines (cutting a vocal swath kinda similar to that of Fabolous), macks ladies, and talks shit with bravado befitting a b-boy--while still acting unafraid to showcase an introspective side. The keyboard-heavy production starts to sound the same after a while, but nonetheless this is quality material, so look for Fidget to make moves beyond the linoleum.

"It's a slumper!" That's right, Bay Area boss E-40 will indeed be bringing his million-dollar mouthpiece to Jimmy Z's in Everett on March 12. Unquestionably a much imitated and influential style titan of Cali rap, 40 still doesn't get the respect he's due; now signed to Lil Jon's BME Recordings, maybe Charlie Hustle will get his propers from all those who've been ripping off his slang for the last 10 years.

I sat on it awhile, but just pulling it out recently, I gotta say I was pleasantly surprised by Tha Designated Hitterz, the CD from South End duo Cut-Lace & Explicit. This disc covers the very well-trod topics of pimpin', ridin', and smokin' with entertaining, energetic flows and diverse beat selection (see the reggae-tinged "Caribbean Rum"). After the opening cut, an anonymous 206 hater offers his two cents, proclaiming C-L & E "weak" and "corny," and commanding his homies to "put that weed out… quit bobbin yo muthafuckin head!"--prompting me to laugh out loud at the all too familiar characterization. If you can't laugh at the evaflowin' hate in this burg, what can ya do?

Well, I dunno, but whatever ya do, avoid 50 Cent's The Massacre like the mutherfuckin' plague, unless you're a 12-year-old girl or a 45-year-old head-trauma victim… otherwise, you might really just have you an existential crisis as you reel in horror at "the current state of hiphop" (just like I did). Just breathe, okay? That's it. Don't lose perspective... It's gonna be alright.

hiphop@thestranger.com